Located in the historical centre of Merida, just a short walk from many shops, museums and a wide range of restaurants, the international airport is approximately 15 Km away....
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Merida sits on the ruins of the ancient Maya city of T' Ho and stands white and majestic on the plains of Yucatan. It was the Spanish conquerors whom, dazzled by the magnificence of the pre-Hispanic monuments at T'Ho, named it after its Spanish name sake, since they considered that it could compete with the Roman city of Merida, Spain.

From its foundation on January 6th, 1542 by Francisco de Montejo el Mozo, Merida has been true to its history, preserving its wonderful testimony throughout time.

The Capital city for the State of Yucatan, it is also known as The White City for its light-colored facades, the cleanliness of its streets under the shining sun and the white clothes worn by its inhabitants. It features a suburban charm that comes from its colonial past, its rich cultural atmosphere and the friendliness and kindness of its people, who are very close to their Maya and mestizo traditions.

Like many other colonial cities in the Americas, Merida was designed according to a chessboard pattern that radiates outward from the central plaza. Nicely shaded by Indian laurels, this Plaza Mayor is surrounded on four sides by some of the most venerable buildings in the city.

The Cathedral of San Ildefonso, finished in 1598, is the first built inland in the Americas. Its formal, solemn facade with two towers and three porticoes in the Renaissance style holds the shield of arms of the first the other side, separated by the Pasaje de la Revolucion (Revolution Alley), which is currently used for sculpture exhibitions, are the episcopate buildings that have been used for various purposes over the centuries. Today, they are home to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAY) that houses permanent exhibits of modern art.

The House of Montejo still preserves its magnificent carved-stone gate adorned with statues, mainly of the Spanish conquerors. It is the most Mexico's valuable jewel of the secular plateresque art form (so named because of its elaborate style simulating the silversmith's art.)

To the north, Government House, built in 1898, houses a majestic central patio; the Hall of History and the hallways are adorned with beautiful mural paintings by the great Fernando Castro Pacheco, illustrating the history of the region.

Dominated by the clock tower, City Hall is flanked by Olympus Cultural Center, which presents daily art exhibits and cultural events.

Pasaje Picheta with its painted murals describing local traditions, handcrafts and Yucatecan restaurants is located in the arched corridor. You will also find the legendary Colon ice cream shop, where you can enjoy the best ice cream in Mexico; bookstores with a broad assortment of books in different languages on the Mayans; and the coffee shops with a view of the elegant cathedral. All of these are more than enough reasons to spend time at the plaza after visiting the historical monuments.

At sunset, the spacious plaza turns into the meeting spot for Meridians, who go there to enjoy the cool air in the middle of the wonderfully lighted buildings and the troubadours.

Close by the municipal market is open seven days a week. There you can find henequen, embroidered articles and other handcrafts. Walking close to the picturesque fruit, vegetable and candy stands, you can explore the assortment of exotic ingredients that make up the sumptuous and abundant Yucatecan cuisine.

In the streets around the Plaza Mayor, you can find charming little plazas with benches that invite you to rest for a while under the shade of the trees and churches. Hidalgo Park, with its almond trees and refined buildings, is one of the most pleasant ones. Its church, called of the Third Order, is a favorite for weddings among Merida's upper social class. Built by the Jesuits in 1618, it houses a magnificent altarpiece in wood decorated in gold leaf in the plateresque style. All bohemian artists gather at the Parque de la Madre (Mother's Park).

Santa Lucia Park has a plaza surrounded by arches and once served as a stagecoach stop. Every Thursday night it comes alive with folk dances and serenades. Other areas that make the city shine are La Mejorada Park and its convent, which today houses the School of Architecture; the Church of the Nun's Convent; and the Church of San Juan de Dios (Saint John of God) in a baroque style built at the beginning of the 17th Century.

The magnificent neoclassic-style Peon Contreras Theater, and artists between 1900 and 1908, has a spectacular Carrara marble staircase and al fresco paintings in its dome, from which a stately candelabrum hangs. Across the street, the eclectic University of Yucatan has a beautiful baroque gate from the 17th century. On Friday nights, you can enjoy the colorful performance of its folkloric ballet.

North to the colonial historic district, upscale neighborhoods line Paseo de Montejo Avenue with their lordly mansions in a French style of the 19th century. These are living testimonies of the splendor of the henequen era. This beautiful avenue can be toured by horse-drawn coach or by open-bus for you to enjoy each and every one of its architectural details. You must make a stop at the Canton Palace, ancient governors' residence built in the Italian Renaissance style with luxurious materials imported from France and Italy. It is now home to the Museum of Archaeology, which displays pieces from a number of different ancient cities in the state.
The tour continues towards Colon Avenue and Las Americas Park, shaded by different kinds of trees. Various concerts and events are held in its acoustically perfect shell.

Although Merida is famous for its history, traditions, art forms and the romance of its people that live to the rhythm of the strolling minstrels, it is also the center of economic development in the Southeast and a modern and dynamic metropolis. It has top-level infrastructure, banks, money exchange establishments and shopping malls are always ready to serve with the friendliness and willingness that characterize the people of Yucatan.

For the large Groups and Conventions sector, the XXI Century Yucatan Convention and Expo Center offers over 900,000 square feet of space for meetings, spectacular events, banquets for up to 3,500 people or fashion shows. The city's main clubs and hotels have an additional 87 meeting rooms. And to top it all, all this space is just a short distance from some 4,500 hotel rooms, contributing to the success of any event.

Merida also has some unique places like old mansions, theatres, grandiose courtyards, haciendas and tropical gardens with splashing fountains to hold gatherings in a very special ambiance.

Surrounded by magnificent and attractive historical, cultural and natural sites, the white city of Merida is the departure point for many one-day tours, which contribute to making of it one of the most visited cities in Mexico.